I had a cancer scare 8 months ago because I was feeling tired all the time had an xray showed a spot on my lung got a repeat xray then told it was a reflection from one of my nipples and nothing to worry about. The tiredness still persisted and having an aortic aneurysm and being 69 years old I put it down to the normal aging process. However at 62 I was diagnosed with the aortic aneurysm I gave up smoking and decided that I would be as fit as possible for my surgery for the aneurysm. I walked 5 miles a day since then. Four weeks ago I had a problem swallowing this happened three timed the third time my neck was paralysed and I nearly chocked to death. I went to see my doctor who ordered another xray. When the results came back he would not tell me what was on the xray he said it was not clear and I would need a ct scan which give more detail. Thect scan results came in and I was called to the surgery urgently. I was expecting to be told there was a blockage somewhere in my throat caused by the aneurysm. At the last aneurysm scan I had been told that I now was ready for surgery and would meet the surgeon in two weeks time. In the doctors office I was told that I had a 29mm nodule at the bottom of my right lung and with the density and spiculation there was a strong possibility it was cancer. I had extensive tests two weeks ago and on Tuesday I had a pet scan and seen the consultant immediately after it he told me that the radiographer had not produced his report but he had looked at the pet scan and his opinion was without doubt cancer. He said that I need a biopsy but he said he would be very, very surprised if the nodule was benign as it was extremely active. The good news if I could have any at this stage was that in his opinion it was in the very early stage one or possibly stage 2 the stage would be determined with the biopsy. The cancer was confined to the right lung and none of the lymph nodes had any sign of cancer. He the told me that in his opinion it was completely curable if the removed the bottom lobe of my right lung. All checks regarding my fitness for the operation and breathing capacity were excellent. The biopsy would be carried out in tree weeks time and was told it would be broncoscopy and I would get the result one week after. If they did not get a valid sample as in up to 40% of cases I would under go the surgery and the biopsy would be taken when before they carry out the main vats surgery. If it wasn't cancer they would close me up again, if it was cancer they would remove the bottom part of my lung. The aortic aneurysm surgery has been put on hold for three months and I have met with the surgeon who says that it will be open surgery for this as there are two separate aneurysms. At the moment I am in some type of a surreal world I feel fine no aches or pains I am now walking ten miles a day in preparation for the upcoming surgery. I am trying to stay positive but still in denial that there is anything wrong with me. Sorry for the long ramble but I just need some reassurance that this is survivable both from a physical and mental point of view. I am off to see my Doctor for a 10.00 am appointment to see what his views are.
Welcome to the group Brian543 but sorry you find yourself here. You are in a very scary time at the moment, where all you can do is trust your medical team to do their very best for you. I think that excavator has given you the best reply as he was in your position all those years ago.
I would be interested to hear how your doctors appointment went?
Brian543 I am so sorry that you had that experience with your doctor, but cannot say I am surprised. You are right, the personal touch of our GP’s is long gone, it’s very sad.
Brian how you are feeling is very normal. This is unknown territory that you are in, we are not the experts, and we are putting our faith into the hands of people we don’t know. These worries will always be there, I am 15 years into this cancer journey, and I still have my negative thoughts with every new pain, every scan date, every doctors appointment. We are only human.
It sounds like you have a very good surgeon, who is really looking out for your best interest. Surgery is the best option for a cure, and the fact that he has managed to get you in quicker is great news. If there were any other concerns they would have told you, I know it’s hard but try not to dwell on those thoughts. Change the negative thoughts to positive, this is good news! The cancer will soon be gone!
One thing I have learnt is that if today I feel like a negative Nora, and I am having a down day, then there is always tomorrow to feel more positive. No 2 days are the same, we can always write this day off and start again tomorrow.
